Dare To Love Series: A Stranger's Dare (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 9

  This insta-love silliness had gone on long enough. Sure they enjoyed their time together, but nothing like what the paper displayed. Her heart beat faster than she could dribble a ball down the court. She choked on the melting chocolate and reached for a bottle of water. Holy crap, if her attraction to him was this obvious in a newspaper photo, think what messages she must be sending in real life.

  Her gaze swept to the beautiful bouquet of roses and tears filled her eyes. She really was attracted to the sexy, commanding man. And that totally scared her.

  After all she’d done to get over her weakness for the bad boy types, what happened? She warmed up to the first dominant male she’d encountered. Would she ever learn?

  She wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to bring the newspaper photo back into focus. Oh hell, would she ever learn how weak she could be around a man? Especially one as likable as Webb—and, God help her, she really did like him. He had this way of making her feel as if she was the most important woman in his world. She knew better. Even so, the momentary rush of what he could make her feel was something new. If only it were true. If only they hadn’t just met. If only her timing and judgment of men were better.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Webb and Cooper sat in the hotel’s main restaurant eating dinner and reading the newspaper. At the top of the sports section was a picture of Webb and Gracie from the mini press conference last night. The headline read: American Hero Mohanty Catches Eye of Lady Coach Luera. Well hell, the way they were looking at each other did give off romantic vibes. Sparks would be more like it.

  Not that he minded one bit, but Gracie would pitch a fit. He read the article and agreed with the facts, although the reporter did tend to play up the romantic interest angle. Both Gracie’s career and his were summarized. Speculations were made. The article’s goal was obviously to generate interest in both team’s next season.

  “I see you’re paying close attention to the sports page. Hell, they’ve damn near got you two engaged.”

  Webb stared at Cooper over the glass of iced tea he’d brought to his lips. “Give me time, man. I’ve got to convince her.”

  Cooper leaned across the table to him, the light shining off his head. “If the team’s management finds out—”

  “She’s worth it.” He didn’t care if he had just met the woman. His emotions had wrapped around Gracie from the first moment he’d set eyes on her. He’d call bullshit on that thought, but it was true. “She’s special, Coop. As soon as my month of no sex is over, I’m on a plane to her.”

  Cooper exhaled a low whistle. “Is she submissive? ʼCause it’ll never last if she’s not.” His lips thinned. “Believe me, I know that from experience.”

  “She’s had some bad experiences. I intend to educate her properly in the lifestyle.” Webb hadn’t liked how she’d looked when she talked about her previous experiences with “bad boys,” as she called them. Yes, he bore the moniker, too, but he’d never abused a woman. If he were honest, he battered himself.

  He’d seen too much as a SEAL. Done too much. Lost too many brothers-in-arms. His best moment had been rescuing the senator’s son from the Russians. There’d been a pure purpose in that mission. He needed to get his mind off wars and missions.

  “Coop, you said you were a patient of Dr. Paul’s, too.”

  “Yeah. Took me six months to get my head on straight about some shit I’d kept buried for a long time. Then there was losing Wanda. Break-ups can be hell. You haven’t talked about your sessions today. How did they go?”

  Webb leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Draining. I had three sessions with an hour break between each one. Dr. Paul ordered me to walk and think during my down hours. Hell, I’m an action figure, not an intellectual.”

  Cooper chuckled. “I feel ya, man. That shit ain’t easy.” He ran a hand across the back of his neck. “Scraping boils of pain off your soul. That process hurts like hell.”

  Webb couldn’t have described the method any better. “I agree and this was only my first day.” While he understood pre-season practice meant a hurried, intense time with the shrink, reality was certainly different than he’d expected. He felt as if his mind and emotions had been dumped into a blender and put on turbo blast.

  The team’s medical squad had granted him a month for therapy. Hell, a month like today and he’d either be freaking insane from all the dredged up memories or totally numb, unable to talk. He had to be more positive about this whole thing. Time to stop being a wuss. Hell, ripping off a scab always hurt and, Lord knew, he had plenty of scabs.

  The waiter whisked away their dirty dishes and asked if they wanted dessert. Both declined. “Just two coffees.”

  “Have you been seeing anyone since your breakup with Wanda?”

  “Nah,” Cooper replied. “Only at the clubs. I belong to two. Nothing as elite as we’re going to tonight. I’m thinking I’ll just check the place out, unless a particular unattached sub appeals to me. What about you?”

  The waiter had returned with their coffees and Webb added a splash of cream to his. “I never thought I’d say this, but I doubt I’ll see anyone who stirs me up the way Gracie does. I’d almost feel as if I was cheating if I did. Which is asinine, considering we just met. Damn, she just pulled me right in.” If Coop wasn’t another Dom, he’d never be this open with him. But the man would understand his thought process.

  Cooper added four sugars to his cup and stirred. “Is she into you as much as you are her?”

  “I don’t think so. She pushes me away and we argue a lot.”

  “Ah, sexual tension.” Coop nodded. “Nothing like it. Especially when you’re in charge.”

  Webb grinned. “It always seems to work out that way. The woman is definitely special. Intelligent, interesting, opinionated, and sexy as fuck. Hard as nails, yet soft as silk.” Damn, he was getting hard just talking about her.

  “I’ve been thinking of getting my own sub. No more vanilla women for me.” Coop sighed. “Relationships with deep feelings can really hurt a guy.”

  “I imagine you’ll be careful in choosing a sub.”

  “Shy as a motherfucker,” he laughed. “I miss the connection with one person, you feel me? A closeness. I want to see a woman’s face light up when she sees me.” Cooper pointed to the paper. “Like the coach’s did in that picture when she looked at you.”

  Webb glanced at the paper. He’d take it along and cut out the picture to frame. They only had a few more days and nights together. A lot of that time would be taken up with his therapy sessions. He hoped they could have repeat times together like today. Damn, seeing her off at the airport would be tough.

  “I think I’ll sit back tonight at the club and pick out potential subs for you, Coop.”

  “Well, I appreciate the thought. But if I know the boss, he’ll have someone keeping an eye on you to make sure you take advantage of your last night of sexual freedom. So latch onto a sub. Show Gabe you appreciate his thoughtfulness. You don’t have to take her to one of the private rooms or even scene with her. Just pay her some attention.”

  ****

  “Bethany! I can’t walk out there in front of all those men wearing this thing. What possessed you to choose something like this for me?” Gracie slowly turned in front of the golden framed mirror. Black faux leather was all she wore and there was very little of that.

  “Relax. You’ll fit right in.”

  “Seriously?” Gracie’s fingers pointed back to what she wore. The ebony fake leather halter whatever—because she had no clue what to call what she had on—had all her private parts bared. There were two holes edged in silver lame to expose the tips of Gracie’s firm breasts and nipples. An opening at the bottom of what one could loosely refer to as a swimsuit, revealed her bald hootchie and slit all the way back to the humongous opening, that showcased her bare ass.

  From one side of the rear opening to the other was a band of rhinestones. A few larger ones followed by a large crystal teardrop hung from the
middle and dangled against her crack as she moved.

  Really, why wear anything at all?

  “Sit.” Bethany pointed to one of the leather loveseats. There were several matching pieces artfully arranged among potted palms and large erotic statues in what was loosely referred to as the locker room.

  She complied and slipped on the silvery sheer thigh-highs Bethany handed her and stepped into a pair of silver stilettoes. The butterfly shaped mask her friend brought along for her was encrusted with silver and black spangles.

  Oh sure, I can show my nipples and ass, but not my face. This all makes perfect sense.

  As soon as Gracie stood and walked toward Bethany, the locker room attendant sprayed the loveseat she’d just vacated and wiped it off. At least the place was kept clean.

  “How do I look?” Her friend held her arms out to show off her outfit. She wore red faux leather that crisscrossed under and around her bare breasts. It formed a short skirt in the front that barely covered her bald privates. In the back, bands of fake leather covered her naked backside in a zigzag pattern. A white furry tail protruded at the top of her crack. Her red heels had straps that ran around her legs, tying below her knees. She wore a white furry kitten mask with red spangles around the edges and cute cat ears on top. There were furry cuffs at her wrists.

  “You look very kitty-ish.” Silly, but kitty silly.

  Bethany turned and flipped her tail. “Yeah, I hope there’s a Dom out there who likes to pet pussies.” She glanced over her shoulder at Gracie and winked. They both laughed.

  Still, the moment of brevity didn’t help ease Gracie’s nerves any. Other women in the plush red and gold decorated changing room were squeezing and struggling into their outfits. And they all looked as outrageous as Gracie felt.

  Tonight would most definitely be a learning experience. She had to keep her eyes open, ears tuned, and her mind on everything going on in the club. This was purely for book research. And if she had to dress this way, she never wanted to enter another club like this again.

  “Here are your bands.” Bethany opened her palm on which lay various colored bracelets. “White means you’re a guest. Pink is for unattached submissive. Pale blue is for spanking, which you signed up for, as well as purple with a white stripe indicating an interest in rope play. Lastly, the gold for vaginal play, the type is up to the Dom.”

  Gracie slipped them on one at a time, hesitating at the gold one. Could she have sex with another man after Webb? She was breaking things off with him, but hadn’t officially done it yet. According to what he’d said, they were a couple and she had to admit, she felt the same way even though she knew it would never work between them.

  Geesh, was she the kind of woman to accept jewelry and flowers from a guy earlier in the day and screw another one that night? Her stomach twisted with dread. Did she want someone else to touch her?

  “I can’t wear the gold one. I don’t want to have sex with a stranger.”

  “But, honey, that’s the best part.”

  Gracie chewed on her bottom lip. “For you, yes. But I’ve been seeing someone and—”

  Bethany threw the gold band in the trash. “Say no more. It’s all good, hon. I understand. Now, follow me and swing that tight ass of yours. The idea is to attract attention.”

  Hell, she couldn’t attract more attention if she were zooming through the premises on a skateboard while her ass was on fire.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Webb and Cooper claimed a couple stools positioned around the chrome and glass circular bar of the upscale club. “Nice place Gabe gave us passes to. I’m sure he had us sincerely vetted first.”

  Coop nodded. “You better believe it. This place knows everything about you except for the last time you took a crap. Don’t give me that smirk. I’m dead serious.” He ran a hand over his tanned head.“Gabe sent me here a couple of times when he could tell the stress of losing Wanda was taking me to a dark place.”

  Webb studied Cooper’s stooped shoulders. He’d never experienced a broken heart. Truth be known, he’d probably broken his share over the years although he’d never allowed himself to get close to anyone until he met his angel.

  Coop elbowed him. “See that blonde sub in the cheerleader outfit? She’s into verbal abuse. I hooked up with her one night when I was still in a rage over Wanda.” He shook his head. “I’m ashamed of the names I called her. Hell, it wasn’t her I was putting down; it was Wanda. The blonde really got off on it, but I got so damn disgusted, I couldn’t do a thing but storm away.”

  He straightened his posture. “Hey, would you look at these two beauties? Check out the cute red-headed pussy cat. She’s got a nice ass to go with that furry tail.”

  Pleased to see Cooper perk up over a woman, Webb paid attention. “Where?”

  “They’re headed for the scene areas. One’s in black, but my cock’s following the one in red. Oh yeah, he likes her.”

  Webb’s gaze followed where his companion indicated. He damn near swallowed his tongue. There was no way anyone else on the face of this earth could have a world class ass like Gracie. But what could she be doing here? He must be mistaken. She moved her head and her mane of hair brushed off her hummingbird tattoo.

  It was her.

  She’d told him she was going out with a friend.

  Never once had she mentioned going to a BDSM club.

  Hadn’t she told him over and over she wasn’t submissive?

  His fingers curled into fists. Anger boiled through every cell of his body. What was she doing here? Hunting for a Dom? Why, when she already had him? His gaze swept around the dungeon. Scenes played out on platforms for couples to watch and enjoy. Music with a strong, sexual beat blared through speakers near the ceiling. Whips cracked and moans of pain and ecstasy mingled in a sensual needy song. And men—Doms—watched his woman.

  His, by damn!

  “Webb? What’s got that scowl on your face?”

  “Take a close look at the pussy cat’s buddy.” His jaw was clenched so bad his ears hurt. He slapped his hand over Coop’s eyes. “No! Don’t! That’s my Gracie.” He moved his hand and grabbed his cola to down it in hopes it would help cool him off.

  “She said she was meeting a friend, but never mentioned this place. Also, she told me she wasn’t into the lifestyle. Does that outfit look vanilla to you? And, dammit, don’t look.”

  “Hell, buddy, make up your mind. Do you want me to look at her or not?”

  Webb stood, jerked on the edges of his open leather vest, and snapped it shut. Leaning over the bar, he motioned to one of the men staffing it. “Do you have any leather hoods we could buy? Evidently we left ours in the trunk and neither one of us wants to walk out in our leathers to get them.”

  “May I see your membership cards, please?” The employee extended his hand.

  Coop’s forehead wrinkled. “Why do I—”

  “Because the polite bar tender asked to see it.” He elbowed Coop. “And we need our masks. Now stop being a Dom ass and get your card out.” His eyebrows waggled at Cooper. He didn’t want him to ruin his plan by blowing up.

  They both displayed the cards Gabe had so generously provided. The man glanced at them and nodded, his demeanor changed. “Hold on, sir. They’re stored over here.” He passed Webb two plastic wrapped packages.“They’re on the house, courtesy of Master Gabe Dare.”

  Webb slapped a small bag against Coop’s chest before tearing his open and tugging the hood over his head, making sure it covered his manbun. “Get yours on. Gracie will recognize you and ruin my plan.”

  “You’re insane, man.” Cooper shook out the hood and shot Webb a foul look before pulling the leather mask over his bald head.

  “Just now noticed that, did you? I guess where that raven-haired beauty is concerned, I am. I can’t seem to control it.”He spun in the direction of the scene areas, his strides long with purpose. “Now, let’s go teach a lying submissive some hard lessons. A relationship between a Dom and his sub runs on h
onesty. Damn, she needs a good spanking.”

  Cooper’s hand grabbed Webb’s bicep. “Look, man, you need to calm that shit down.”

  “Calm? Fuck your calm. I’m about to show her I won’t be lied to.”

  “I’m right behind you. I don’t like how you’re acting. Hell, she’ll recognize your voice.”

  “Not when I lay on one of my old SEAL buddy’s Texas twang. Besides, you just want a closer look at that auburn-haired kitten. While I plan on fucking my angel until she screams my name. First, though, I’m going to scare the hell out of her. She belongs to me. Comes in here showing off parts of herself no man should see, but me.”

  He hurt. His chest physically hurt. Some Dom had his arm around Gracie and she was giving the stranger one of her killer smiles.

  The man had the good fortune of moving on, but not before he trailed his fingers over her exposed breast and pinching her nipple. The shocked expression Gracie displayed sent Webb’s temper into the stratosphere. His rage shook from his ankles to his eyebrows. Sifting through the buzzing of fury in his ears was Coop’s warning. “Fuck that. I will kill the next motherfucker who so much as blinks an eyelash in her direction.”

  ****

  Pissed off at the stranger who’d touched her, Gracie didn’t know which way to look next. This place put her senses on overload. Just the odors of sex, various perfumes and aftershaves that flavored the air, were enough to wake her hormones. There were screams that made her jumpy. And men—some well-built and others over built—all dressed in leathers were on the prowl like the one she’d just refused as a Dom for the evening.

  The bumfart actually thought he had the right to pinch her nipple. She was about to belt him when Bethany grabbed her arm and spoke with an apologetic voice to explain why Gracie was rather shy. Master Judge, as Bethany called him, nodded and moved on.